A handsome set of first impressions of the revised (second) edition of Tolkien’s epic fantasy masterpiece. Spurred by the publication of an unauthorized edition of Lord of the Rings printed after the copyright had expired in the US, Tolkien made a number of changes to the text so that new authorized editions could be published and copyrighted. Most notable is the replacement of the in-universe Forward to the First Edition with a more bibliographical Forward to the Second Edition, which includes the famous line: “I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations.” Other textual changes include a “Note on the Shire Records” added to the end of the prologue and a minimal index inserted at the end of Return of the King, as well as emending various printer’s errors and compositor’s mistakes. Jackets edgeworn, most notable on Two Towers. Slight bow to corners of boards on Two Towers and Return of the King. Tiny crease and open tear to top right corner of jacket on Two Towers. Previous owner’s ex-library stamp to corners of endpapers, concealed by jacket flap. Gilt title and insignia remain bright.